Over this past summer, The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal undertook multiple projects designed to make our hallowed space more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable for everyone who visits.
Although the changes may not appear dramatic, or even noticeable to some, they represent an important investment in accommodating all pilgrims to the Basilica Shrine.
Areas of enhancement
Three areas of enhancement include the confessionals, the Miraculous Medal Gift Shop, and the onsite parking lot. All spaces serve very different purposes, but each plays an important role in the Basilica Shrine experience for all visitors.
Physical and spiritual comfort
Regular use has taken its toll on the furnishings and finishes within the Basilica Shrine, and the confessionals needed to be updated to provide access to meet the needs of the penitents. The refurbishment also provided a refresh to these sacred spaces.
The work focused on restoring and improving the confessionals rather than changing what makes them special and familiar. According to Basilica Shrine Rector Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, the goal was to renovate the confessionals to accommodate and provide a comfortable space for visitors receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The confessionals have seen their heating and cooling updated, and have been given new carpeting and fresh paint. But the piece of the renovation that pleases Fr. Kettelberger the most is that the confessionals are now wider for penitents with mobility issues.
“This allows much easier access to the confessional. The confessionals accommodate anyone with a walker, wheelchair, or unsteady on their feet to be able to come into the confessional for the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” said Fr. Kettelberger.
He continued, “When the penitent comes in, they can either kneel or sit. There is a screen with a handle that they can slide over if they wish to have face-to-face Confession, or they can remain anonymous with the screen closed. They can choose to take part in the sacrament in the way that is most comfortable for them.”
Knowing that the confessionals are an extremely personal place where penitents come to pause, reflect, seek forgiveness, and then leave to make reparation is why maintaining these holy spaces well is more than a matter of appearance. Caring for the confessionals is caring for an important part of the spiritual life of the people who come to the Basilica Shrine.
A welcoming area to browse
In addition to the work within the confessionals, another summer project has been the Miraculous Medal Gift Shop.
The gift shop has been revitalized to provide visitors with a more organized and welcoming area to browse. The gift shop is often one of the first places people visit after attending the Perpetual Novena and Mass, expressing devotion to Our Lady before the Main Mary Shrine, or touring the Basilica Shrine and Madonna Art Museum.
A visit to the gift shop gives an opportunity for people to take home a reminder of their time at the Basilica Shrine. The Miraculous Medal Gift Shop provides many exclusive treasures, such as relic Miraculous Medals and rosaries, and books, pamphlets and prayer cards devoted to the Miraculous Medal Novena, which can become a part of a pilgrim’s new daily routine ignited from their visit to the Basilica Shrine.
Gift shop purchases support the mission of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM) and the ministries of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province.
A refreshed parking lot
Finally, the onsite parking lot of the Basilica Shrine is in the process of being resealed and restriped, which is another essential improvement, as it will protect the lot from weathering and deterioration, and improve safety and accessibility for all visitors, staff, and Vincentians.
The fresh, clearly defined parking lines enhance traffic flow and provide a clean, welcoming appearance that reflects the dignity of the Basilica Shrine.
Improvements affect the experience
Preserving the grace and sanctity of the Basilica Shrine, while preparing it for the influx of visitors who come to pay tribute to Our Blessed Mother and seek her intercession, could have provided a challenge as these projects took place, but with thoughtful planning and careful stewardship, the Basilica Shrine continued to welcome pilgrims with warmth and hospitality, while maintaining the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that makes it such a treasured haven.
Visit us!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Basilica Shrine. The full Confession schedule can be found on our Worship page. Explore our days and hours of operation. Shop the Miraculous Medal Gift Shop in person or online. We gratefully accept your gift to CAMM to help us in our mission.